MasukI pressed my lips together, forcing a smile and hoping my nerves didn’t come through.“Understood,” I said.Without another word, he turned and walked in the opposite direction. With a tightening chest, I walked towards where Gemma was with a few other girls. They were giggling at something she was
Joanne’s POVToday was technically my first day at the clinic. Yesterday, after I saved that patient, I was shown the ropes before I was sent on my way. Today, they told me I'd be doing some actual work, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited.I was finally going to feel useful again, like I di
He lowered himself so his lips were only inches from mine. I knew I should have pulled away, told him to go to hell, and that I won’t be his mistress. But I couldn’t bring myself to do that; his scent was alluring, and the way he looked at me made my heart skip a beat.My emotions were all over the
Joanne’s POVI stepped away from him as if he had burned me, and I started to back into my room. He followed me inside and shut the door.“Who were you talking to?” I wanted to ask him why it mattered. But my lips wouldn’t form the words.“I thought Talia left something behind…” I tell him. “What
“I don’t know,” she finally said. “I think there is more to it.”When I didn’t say anything more, she let out a breath.“He cares for you, Lady Joanne. He sought me out himself and asked me to bring you a meal. Lady Vivien was not in sight. I know it might be hard to believe, but you are worth the l
Joanne’s POVMy chest ached; I ran back to my chambers as fast as I could, my heart feeling as though it was going to explode. I didn’t want Alexander and Vivien to see me cry; thankfully, the tears didn’t come until I was a great distance away.I opened the door and stepped inside, letting a sob es
Without another word, Vivien went straight to Alexander’s study. The guards posted outside of the private sector of the palace bowed to her as she passed; they already knew who she was, and if she were to be the next princess, they wanted to be on her good side. Plus, the King had already ordered th
Once I was done creating the foundation for the medication and turning it into a liquid mess, I grabbed the scalpel off one of the metal trays and sliced my wrist, allowing the blood to pour into the medication. I pulled my arm back when enough was inside, then grabbed a cloth to wrap it.“Do I smel
Alexander’s POVVivien wore over-the-top perfume and a too-bright dress. I didn’t like the way she clung to my arm and touched me like she had the right to, but I figured pushing her away would give nobles the wrong impression, so I had to endure it for right now.I wasn’t sure why she had wrapped h
Joanne’s POVThe questions were out of my mouth before I could stop them, and tears were rushing down my cheeks. Alexander stared at me like he didn’t even recognize me, and I wasn’t sure which part of this hurt the most.I just knew that I was sick of feeling this pain, and I just wanted it all to







